The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1559 - 1556: The Young Couple’s Plan

Looking at all these fine things, Wang Yongzhu had an idea.

By evening, it had spread throughout the entire residence that the Imperial Noble Consort had generously rewarded the wife of the heir-apparent with several chests of jewelry, silver, and fine fabrics.

The rumors were vivid, mentioning fist-sized Ming Zhu pearls, clothes woven with golden threads, and various precious jade and jewels found in the palace.

There was even talk of He Shou Wu and ginseng that seemed almost human-like, and several pounds of blood swallows.

Everyone was instantly filled with envy and admiration.

Little Lady Hou heard these words and was so angry that she stormed around her room for half the day, only to pull Song Chongzhao aside and grumble, "Why does the Imperial Noble Consort favor that country maid? Wasn’t it just accompanying someone to give birth? Who can’t give birth? How is that a great merit? And to think so many things were sent just for that?"

Because after Wang Yongzhu first met Little Lady Hou, Lady Gao had punished Little Lady Hou to copy the Filial Piety Sutra in her own courtyard, releasing her only after the New Year.

She truly didn’t know the difficulties of the Imperial Noble Consort’s labor, only assuming it was a normal childbirth.

This good fortune of accompanying someone during childbirth, how did it fall to Wang Yongzhu?

Song Hong was worried earlier about Wang Yongzhu’s affairs affecting the residence.

The second and the third children aren’t bright; if they’re caught off guard by a grudge outside, it would be more trouble than it’s worth.

So he had Song Chongjun and Song Chongzhao, along with the other sons, confined at home, not allowing them to go out.

No outside news was permitted to enter the residence.

Therefore, most in the residence truly didn’t know the peril of the Imperial Noble Consort’s labor.

Song Chongzhao knew more than Little Lady Hou, having overheard bits and pieces at palace banquets.

He knew the Imperial Noble Consort’s childbirth was difficult, but being a man with no knowledge of medical techniques, he wasn’t aware of the gravity of the situation.

He earnestly agreed, "Indeed, everyone now praises that country maid as exceptional, as if she killed a bandit king and subdued a rebel army."

"I reckon this is likely out of consideration for our residence’s prestige that she is given such regard. It’s said that the family of the Imperial Noble Consort isn’t prominent, and there isn’t a successful brother. Now that she’s birthed the Ninth Prince, lacking support, it’s likely our residence is seen as a potential assist, possibly hoping our lord would petition His Majesty to have her made Empress."

"With so many demands on our family, how could they not seek good relations with our family? It’s too obvious to approach Madam directly, so they approached that country maid. Otherwise, what makes a country maid so worthy of noble’s favor?"

On hearing this, Little Lady Hou clapped a hand, "Dear, you’re right! In that case, the palace’s reward isn’t for her alone; it’s for our residence! Why should she be the sole one to move everything into her courtyard?"

"Everyone should get a share! I must go talk to Madam; we can’t let her take such great advantage alone!"

Saying no more, Little Lady Hou, who once considered herself of exceptional background, dismissed this or looked down on that.

Only upon marrying into the Duke Weiguo Residence did she realize what true prosperity meant, the legacy of a century-old noble family.

Even a concubine like Maternal Aunt Hou, her status, food, clothing, and use in the residence exceeded that of her own parents and grandparents.

Otherwise, why was she always longing to go to the palace to see it for herself?

Upon hearing Song Chongzhao’s words, she was instantly moved.

The rewards from the Imperial Noble Consort must certainly be the best. If one or two items could be shared, showing them off later might indeed make everyone envious.

Song Chongzhao’s eyes lit up at this.

In his mind, as long as the family hasn’t split, the palace’s rewards belong to everyone.

With so many large chests, even if the country maid takes the lion’s share, shouldn’t everyone get a little something as well?

Not to mention, since getting married, his own pocket has been tighter than before marriage.

His monthly allowance increased by twenty taels, plus Little Lady Hou’s monthly allowance, all regular expenses were covered by the public institution, and additionally, Little Lady Hou brought dowry and a considerable amount of silver when she married over.

In principle, it should be more generous.

But for some reason, Lady Gao said that now that they’re married, the monthly allowance naturally should be managed by the wife. Both his and Little Lady Hou’s, every month, were directly sent to Little Lady Hou from Lady Gao’s side.

Little Lady Hou was good in all things, looked beautiful, had an enthusiasm and vitality not often found in noblewomen from the capital, which pleased him greatly.

But Little Lady Hou had grown up outside the capital, and while other matters were acceptable, on matters of silver coins, she was a bit petty.

Every month, she would save up the monthly allowance, saying that once it reached a hundred taels, they’d buy a house and land.

She also said that since the residence provided for everything needed, we should be able to save most of the money.

It took a lot of persuading from Song Chongzhao, arguing that he was a man, needed to socialize outside, and couldn’t have empty pockets, could he?

Little Lady Hou reluctantly, as if cutting her own flesh, gave him Five Taels of Silver each month for his expenses.

No more, not a single penny extra.

Song Chongzhao couldn’t tolerate such grievances, but he needed the Hou Family’s influence and mentioning this would be embarrassing.

According to custom, his salary, since the family hadn’t split, should be handed over to the public institution, regardless of the amount.

But Song Chongzhao’s purse was embarrassingly empty; what could Five Taels of Silver do? It wasn’t even enough for a single banquet outing.

Fortunately, he had a small private fund previously set aside in the outer study, managed by a chambermaid, which supported them for a while.

Eventually, it ran out; after all, dealing with people means forming connections, sending gifts, and interacting more, which all cost money.

His private silver funds were quickly insufficient. Unable to manage, he even turned to his Maternal Aunt Hou a few times.

Maternal Aunt Hou initially helped a few times, but upon seeing Song Chongzhao’s insatiable need, she stopped.

While she had substantial private savings, now realizing that the Eldest Brother was unreliable, and seeing the second son’s situation — with his wife holding all the money, and even coming to ask his mother for it — she figured she couldn’t rely on him in the future either.

So she steadfastly refused, and Song Chongzhao, out of resources, even pawned some unremarkable items from his collection.

He barely got through the annual gifts that way.

Now, his pockets were emptier than his face, desperately thinking about where to find a good windfall.

Little Lady Hou’s words awakened him. If only they could convince Wang Yongzhu to share some of the palace rewards, they might get a piece.

Then, by selling them, they could become more affluent.

Thinking along those lines, Song Chongzhao nodded, "Wife, you’re right! Let’s do this..."

He beckoned Little Lady Hou over and whispered a few words into her ear.

Her eyes lit up as she nodded repeatedly.

The couple exchanged a look, filled with ambitious determination, waiting eagerly for the evening when the items would be divided.